I am a long time supporter of the Green and Sustainable lifestyle. After being caught in the Boscastle floods in 2004, our family begun a journey to respect and promote the importance of Earth's fragile ecosystem, that focussed on reducing waste. Inspired by the beauty and resourcefulness of this wonderful planet, I have published numerous magazine articles on green issues and the author of four books.

Distracted by work my husband is prone to put his work pens in his pocket without their lids. I have a collection of shirts which are too good to throw away but which I am considering dyeing. Only as you say there are issues, just as there are issues about the bleach I occasionally use on the white shirts to get ink spots off. Oh and I have written to the Japanese or Korean manufacturer for help but had no reply and I have suggested different pens… It is so much easier with the kids!